First Communion

“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” John 6:35

“For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” John 6:55-56

“The Eucharist is the ‘source and summit of the Christian Life'” (CCC #1324) ‘Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking'” (CCC #1327.)

Baptized children in the second or third grade, after completing a first year in parish faith formation and/or St. Mary’s Parish School, are invited to prepare to receive their first Reconciliation and first Eucharist. St. Mary’s sacramental preparation process is designed to assist and support parents as the primary catechist of their child(ren) (CCC#2221-2223.) Parents receive a preparation books for each child to be used in the home prior to receiving each Sacrament. Monthly parent sessions (September to April) help guide and support parents through each stage of the preparation process. Parents are invited to contact the parish office for additional information. Parents who choose to school their children at home should contact the parish office to enroll their children in sacramental preparation. To sign your child up for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation, please fill out the Children-Youth Registration Form.

Parents of children who were baptized in a different Christian tradition, or who have a developmental disability, or who have completed the fifth grade, should contact the parish office. An interview with the family will be scheduled to help the parish priest and staff determine the best option for the family and child(ren.)

Unbaptized children age 7 or older: Once a child has attained the use of reason, generally age 7, the child ceases being an infant in the faith and is no longer eligible for “infant baptism” (CIC 852.1.) (St. Mary’s defines age 7 as the first day of second grade.) Unbaptized children, who have attained the use of reason, will be prepared to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil Mass following determination of each child’s readiness (CCC 1233.) An interview with the family will be scheduled to help the parish priest and staff determine the best option for the family and child(ren.) Please contact the parish office for more information.

Adults baptized Catholic, who have never received the Sacraments of Reconciliation or Communion, are invited to contact the parish office. Please visit the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) page for more information on preparing for sacraments as an adult.